IPL: BCCI united, will take action against the guilty, says Srinivasan

Kolkata: Beleaguered BCCI chief N Srinivasan, currently under immense pressure to step down in the wake of his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan being at the centre of the IPL scandal, on Sunday said that he won't quit as has not done anything wrong. While trying to clear his stance, Srinivasan said that no one in the BCCI has sought his resignation and also promised a fair probe into allegations against Meiyappan and players involved in spot-fixing.

"Last few days have been difficult for the BCCI and me. It has been difficult for me as a father and a father-in-law. The BCCI will act without fear or favour to investigate and if circumstances provide, punish players, match officials, IPL franchise," said Srinivasan while addressing a press conference in Kolkata.

Srinivasan announced that a six-member Commission will be set up to go into allegations against Meiyappan who was arrested on Friday by the Mumbai Police on charges of betting. "An independent person will also be part of the six-member enquiry Commission," said Srinivasan.

He also assured that the BCCI will continue to offer assistance to the police in their probe against spot-fixing and betting. "Legal process has already started and police investigation is going on. Disciplinary procedure under BCCI rules has already been initiated. The BCCI will act firmly and swiftly if charges are proven. The BCCI has been very concerned on the allegations made on the IPL," said the BCCI chief.

The BCCI chief also attacked people who have criticised him in the ongoing IPL scandal. Quashing rumours of his resignation, the BCCI president said, "I will not resign, have done nothing wrong. I have a job to do and I will do it fairly. There is nothing against me, no one has said that I have done anything wrong."

He also brushed aside the rumours of a split between the BCCI top brass. "I am assuring that there is a complete unity in the BCCI. I intend to continue my duty as the BCCI president. The BCCI will take whatever is necessary for faith that public has in the BCCI and cricket," added Srinivasan.

BCCI's top leaders had met on Saturday evening in Kolkata ahead of the big IPL final on Sunday night. BCCI sources said Srinivasan had rejected requests by the BCCI members to step down.

Meanwhile, the BCCI on Sunday suspended Meiyappan from any involvement in cricket or in IPL team Chennai Super Kings pending further inquiry in the betting case. In a statement, the apex cricketing body said it has taken note of the detention by the Mumbai Police of Meiyappan, who is a member of the team management of Chennai Super Kings.